Communication is incomplete without People’s Participation

Anwar came rushing from Dilli Haat to the ComicsCafe of World Comics India. At Dilli Haat his group of artisans from Bikaner, Rajasthan have their stall put up. It has been two decades since Anwar is working with the various folk artisans of Rajasthan. Taking these folk art such as puppetry and music as the tool of communication he has stood tall and strong in carrying out his work for development in western Rajasthan even in the waves of adversity. When Rajasthan was hit by drought in 2002, he along with his group of folk artist, Gavaniyar staged puppetry plays in many schools and villages of Rajasthan. These plays reflected the poignant situation of the drought hit families breaking audience into tears. This way they were able to mobilize students to collect and distribute 400 quintals of grain to the affected families. This was the beginning for Gavaniyar, a group of young folk artist wanting to start their initiative of development with the medium of their folk art. They decided not to register the group so that the skills and energies of artist is not drained into managerial work and to prevent them falling into politics.

Anwar shares with enthusiasm the memories of how they produced amazing characters which the audience adored and enjoyed to the fullest while taking home a message. Their efforts were also covered by the mainstream press. The artist made good money too, which was their fear and concern when they started off with the group. He reflects how such communication is indispensable so that development can reach the people in real sense. As the characters fell into monotony because of the message they carried each time, the charm and impact of the good old puppetry on the audience lost too. There is definitely a lack of innovation and attention there. This experience gives the message how communication for development can fail if we make it too heavy and controlled. Rather this communication should have people’s participation and be such that an ordinary man can relate to it.

The group today does not exist in its previous form. Four groups sprouted of the original Gavaniyar and are carrying on with their art and development work. Anwar has also founded Abhiyan Sahyog along with few artist of Gavaniyar which has produced tremendous result in helping the unprivileged.

Currently Anwar is researching on Meerasi the group of folk singers. Anwar’s work has reiterated the power traditional media can impart to development. Resources and means are always around us we just have to recognize and accumulate them to use in an efficient manner.   

Report by Jyoti Sharma and Gargie Sharma